Study the universal critical congenital heart disease screening in a peripheral area of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequently occurring congenital disorder, responsible for 28% of all congenital birth defects. The birth prevalence of CHD is reported to be 8-12/1000 live births. Considering a rate of 9/1000, about 1.35 million babies are born with CHD each year globally. Objective of research work to study the prevalence of CHD among newborn and its types.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried among 34 cases of CHD/5126 newborn screened at 4 birthing places in Kashipur a small town in Uttrakhand at pediatrics department of Sahota Super-specialty hospital, Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Screening program between 22 August 2014, and March 30, 2019. All newborns, including preterm babies, delivered in these facilities were eligible for inclusion in this study.Results: Present study found the prevalence of CHD was 0.7 per 1000 children (34/5126). Around 26.5% participants have cyanotic CHD and 73.5% have acynotic CHD. Almost 44%, 28%, 20%, 4% and 4% participants of acynotic congenital heart diseases have VSD, ASD, PDA, AVSD and valvular PS respectively and 55.6%, 22.2%, 11.1% and 11.1% participants of cynotic congenital heart diseases have TOF, DORV/VSD, dTGA/VSD and tricuspid atresia respectively.Conclusions: Screening for congenital heart disease should be included as a part of newborn assessment as it is a common congenital problem. Early identification influences outcome. Barriers in implementation of the screening programmes in resource limited setting is a challenging feature. This study can provide observed data that can help in policy making in the health sector.